Andrew Robertson elbow: Newcastle star’s Mitrovic ban sympathy after Liverpool linesman clash

Callum Wilson compared Aleksandr Mitrovic’s push on Chris Kavanagh with Constantine Hatzidakis ‘throwing elbows’ at Andrew Robertson.
Toby Bryant
By Toby Bryant
Published 13th Apr 2023, 13:42 BST
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Newcastle United star Callum Wilson sympathised with banned Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after Liverpool full-back Andrew Robertson appeared to be elbowed by a linesman last weekend.

Premier League linesman Constantine Hatzidakis lifted an arm towards the Scotsman at half time during the meeting between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday.

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Robertson appeared to be verbally berating the official when he received a blow to the face in response.

An incredulous Robertson then protested about the incident, held his jaw and was 'absolutely apoplectic' as he claimed to be elbowed in the throat.

The FA are investigating the incident and Hatzidakis won't work at any fixtures this weekend.

Hatzidakis said: "Whatever happens, happens.

"There is nothing more I can say at the moment. I can't talk about what happened."

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It comes just weeks after Fulham talisman Mitrovic was handed a huge eight-game ban for pushing referee Chris Kavanagh during an FA Cup match against Manchester United at Old Trafford last month.

There were widespread calls from pundits and fans for Mitrovic to receive a suitable ban for the incident and now Newcastle's Wilson has pointed out that similar rulings should be applied for Hatzidakis.

Speaking on the BBC Sounds Footballer's Football Podcast, Wilson said: "I couldn't believe what I was watching [the Robertson incident]. I know everyone is human and makes mistakes and having a reaction when someone is on your shoulder talking to you.

"When he's shrugged him off he's caught him on the chin and Robertson does look shocked. It's a tricky one.

Aleksandar Mitrovic saw red against Manchester United and was then handed a lengthy ban (Image: Getty Images)Aleksandar Mitrovic saw red against Manchester United and was then handed a lengthy ban (Image: Getty Images)
Aleksandar Mitrovic saw red against Manchester United and was then handed a lengthy ban (Image: Getty Images)
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"At the end of the day, look what happened with Mitrovic when he touched the referee in nowhere near the same circumstances, he's literally just put his hand on him.

"This guy is throwing elbows big man!"

"If he was a player, he would have red card straight away, he wouldn't be coming out for the second half - I thought that might happen and they put fourth official as linesman. It's a sticky one."

Related topics:Callum WilsonAndrew RobertsonLiverpoolNewcastleFulhamPremier LeagueArsenalScotsman

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